Algalita Marine Research Blog

Meeting the ORV Alguita

Posted by: Katie Transue

It’s early Friday morning and I just arrived at Captain Moore’s place. We’re preparing the ORV Alguita for her departure from Long Beach, CA down the coast to San Diego. I had no problem locating her dock….I just headed toward the massive mast that seemed oddly out of place among the collection of Cruiser, Ski, and Deck boats. This 50 foot, 25 ton aluminum hulled sailing research catamaran will be our home for the next week as we travel, trawl, and teach others how marine debris data is collected. After meeting Charlie and the rest of the crew at the dock gate; I boarded the Alguita, picked a bunk, and began preparing for our voyage.

The cabin of the Alguita is much more homey and comfortable then I had expected. We have all of the usual kitchen amenities, cozy bunks, and most importantly…delicious food that had been harvested from Charlie’s garden.

I better get up on deck…the downside of docking the Alguita in Alamitos Bay is her mast has to be lowered in order to pass underneath the small bridges that connect the harbor. Charlie has appointed me the official “horn blower”….so I better go stand on the bow and watch for trouble!